Job that qualifies as a “specialty occupation” by meeting at least 1 of these criteria:

A bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent) is a minimum requirement

The degree requirement is common for this position in the industry, or the job is so complex or unique that it can only be performed by someone with at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field

The employer normally requires a degree or equivalent for the position

The nature of the specific duties is so specialized and complex that the knowledge required to perform the duties is usually associated with attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree

“Specialty occupation” job that is related to your field of study

Pay that is at least the actual or prevailing wage for your occupation, whichever is higher

H-1B status must be requested and filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a U.S. employer. No foreign nationals can file H-1B themselves.

Eligible Positions

WSU may sponsor candidates who meet all requirements for positions that are:

Academic teaching and/or research faculty positions

Full time

Permanent or temporary (The H-1B visa limits you to a 6-year stay in the United States. Your sponsoring employer can request stays in 3-year increments.)

Each sponsorship application is open to subjective review by government agencies, so there is no guarantee of approval. No U.S. employer is obligated or required to sponsor a foreign national for an H-1B visa.

Alternatives to H-1B Status

Other immigration statuses commonly used to employ foreign nationals in the United States include:

F-1 students authorized for Optional Practical Training

J-1 scholars or J-1 student Academic Training, however they cannot be a candidate for a tenure-track position

TN temporary professional worker, available to Canadian and Mexican citizens only

E-3 specialty worker, available to Australian citizens only

H-1B1 specialty worker, available to Chilean and Singaporean citizens only

Obtaining an H-1B Visa

In order to enter or re-enter the United States as an H-1B worker, you must have a valid U.S. H-1B visa in your passport. Your accompanying dependents must each have an H-4 visa. Canadian citizens are exempted from the H-1B/H-4 visa requirement.

Where to Apply

Apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. You cannot apply for an H-1B entry visa from within the United States.

Applying in your country of citizenship or last residence will result in the fastest processing time. Find out the typical wait time for a visa appointment and processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your area.

Be advised: Every time you apply for a U.S. visa, you may be subject to security checks that could take weeks to complete.

Documents Needed to Apply

Original USCIS Form I-797 approval notice for your H-1B position
Contact Global Services at least 3 weeks prior to your scheduled departure date to request that your original USCIS approval notice be mailed to you.

Completed visa application form
Include required photos, visa application fee, and any other documents to show your qualifications for your H-1B job.

Copy of your most recent H-1B petition
Global Services can email you a copy if needed.

Current original employment offer/confirmation/verification letterThis is a letter issued and signed by your hiring unit and printed on the hiring unit’s letterhead. It must specify your position title, job duties, and salary. Include your previous 2 months’ paystubs if you have been previously employed in H-1B status.

Additional documents
Documents may be required by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to establish your qualification as an H-1B worker.

Traveling Into the United States for H-1B Employment

Schedule an H-1B interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Do not schedule your interview until you have received your approval notice.

Secure a valid H-1B visa and other required entry documents.
(Canadian citizens are exempt from the H-1B visa requirement.)

Make travel arrangements. Do not make travel reservations until you have your H-1B visa.

At Port of Entry

Enter the United States in H-1B statusYou may arrive no earlier than 10 days before the start date printed on your USCIS H-1B approval notice and up to 10 days after the petition validity period. (Whether the 10-day post-petition period is granted is up to the discretion of the officer at port of entry.) You cannot be employed during either of these 10-day periods.

Enter as an H-1B employee with H-1B documents, even if you are from a country in the visa waiver programYou will need your H1-B visa for employment in the United States. Do NOT enter as a visa waiver program participant.

When the immigration officer returns your passport to you after inspection, check the entry stamp immediatelyIf there is a mistake (for example, if the authorized end date is earlier than the expiration date in your H-1B approval notice), ask the immigration officer to make the correction right away.

Guidelines for Current H-1B Workers

If you are already working under an H-1B visa, be sure to follow guidelines to maintain your lawful visa status. Your H-1B status will affect your ability to gain an H-1B extension or change employers, as well as any future plans to apply for a U.S. green card.

Changes to Your H-1B Visa

If you are currently working at WSU in H-1B status, there are circumstances under which you may need to make a change to your visa.